Baver's Buckeye Bag / Ohio State vs Indiana - by Brent Baver

Every week of the college football season, Pencilstorm Buckeye guru answers our questions and yours. Follow and shoot him questions @baverbuckeyebag

Colin: Why did we schedule a conference weeknight road opener and what is the upside?

Brent: I think Gene Smith likes to show that OSU is willing to be a “team player”, where it will do some of the things that lesser B1G programs do, like playing a Thursday night game. In that sense, I think it’s pathetic. Ohio State is the elite of the elite, and should never be playing on a Thursday night. But my guess is that Urban was up for this, in that it gives them 2 extra days to prepare for a top-10 Oklahoma team.

Colin: Lots being made about the OSU D-Line playing more aggressive this year. What's the ceiling for this unit compared to past great Buckeye lines? 

Brent: It’s definitely the deepest unit I have seen here in the 40+ years I have been following Ohio State. Opposing coordinators have to be shaking their heads when they see Nick Bosa and Jalyn Holmes come in as “backups”. And it sounds like DT Dre’Mont Jones has made as much progress as any player on the team, other than maybe Damon Arnette. Not sure the 4 starters are as good as the ’02 foursome of Will Smith, Darion Scott, Kenny Peterson and Tim Anderson, but when you take depth into account, I think it will end up being the best D-line OSU has ever had.

Colin: Could Weber see his job threatened but upstart JK Dobbins? Any other youngsters you expect to have an impact right out of the gate?

Brent: A month ago I would have told you no way, but with Weber’s hamstring and Dobbins huge camp, I now think Dobbins will steal a decent amount of Weber’s carries. It also sounds like Dobbins is ahead of the curve in terms of blocking, a skill Urban demands of his backs and receivers. If healthy, I think Weber will likely remain your #1 guy all year, but he had a recent setback with the hammy. As for other youngsters, Kendall Sheffield is going to get a lot of PT as the 3rd CB. True frosh Jeffrey Okudah and Shawn Wade will push the top 3 corners as the season goes on.

Colin: Guest question from Rob Bumgarner: Can Isiah Prince hold up on the O Line?

Brent: I guess I believe the “he’s turned the corner” talk to an extent, but I still have to see it to really believe it. There has never been a question regarding Prince’s talent, which is part of the reason why he kept his job the entire 2016 season despite his poor protection numbers. The Bucks really, really need Prince to step up if they want to challenge for a Nat’l Title.

Colin: How do you see this game going down?

Brent: My how things have changed with the Hoosiers, as they are not far from having top 5 defense in the league, while their offense may struggle. With a suspect O-line and probably the weakest set of backs in the league, Indiana is going to struggle scoring on an OSU defense that is the class of the B1G. If Indiana is going to have success on O, it will be through the air, as they have a solid QB in Lagow, and a nice set of WRs as long as you add Simmie Cobbs to the group. Cobbs may be held out Thursday night based on a July arrest. I think this one stays tight for awhile, with Ohio State’s depth wearing the Hoosiers down and the Buckeyes covering late. I’ll say Ohio State 35-10.

Colin: It seems like all the smart money is on Bama, Bucks, USC and FSU being the final four. Who of that group is most vulnerable and who do see you see as a sleeper nationally?

Brent: I think USC is the most vulnerable with the expectations now so much higher, and I still question whether Todd Helton is the guy for USC. Not sure you can call Washington a sleeper after making the Playoff a year ago, but few are talking about them this year, as it’s all USC this and USC that. I expect Washington to win the Pac 10 again. A deeper sleeper? Hard for me to choose one as all these teams seem to have material weaknesses, but maybe one out of the group of Miami, Texas, or dare I say it….Michigan.

Colin: Some big match-ups for opening weekend. What other games and lines will you be keeping an eye on?

Brent: It wouldn’t shock me to see the Noles upset Bama, although going against Bama in these early games is usually not smart. I do like FSU catching 7 pts in this one, but think Bama gets the W. By the way, Alabama is 0-3 (outright) in their last 3 games when they haven’t had Lane Kiffin as their OC. The Michigan – Florida game should be an old fashion defensive struggle. I tend to think Michigan pulls this one out, but if you can catch more than a FG, like it is now with the Gators a 3 ½ pt dog, I think you take the points. There is really nothing else that jumps out at me from a betting standpoint in Wk 1.

Pencilstorm Staff and Friends Weigh In On Mayweather v McGregor

We are hosting a viewing party for this fight at the Pencilstorm offices (thanks for the FREE cable, Mr. Biggie) and we thought it would be fun to get thoughts of everybody attending before the big "fight."  Below are the responses. - Colin G. 

Ben Galli (Pencilstorm NBA Beat Writer) - MMA or UFC was never something I was really into.  I remember starting to see crowds gather for live events at the old BW3's on campus in the early 2000's.  I noticed the increase in acquaintances that were going somewhere to "watch the fight" even though there wasn't any boxing on and more dudes on the street wearing Affliction shirts.  I understood the draw (not to the shirts) but I'd rather just watch Bloodsport again.  However, recently, I have made a point to see any fight Conor McGregor is in.  Maybe it's the braggadocio that he backs up or the underdog's confidence that you can't help but root for, but he's brought me slightly into UFC.  And I will watch this fight and I will root for McGregor (especially due to Mayweather's past behavior) because even though I think Money is one of the best boxers of all time and should easily win the match, you're saying there's a chance! 

Big $ (North Coast Posse / Browns Beat) - I was a casual "boxing guy" until I saw my first Conon McGregor interview. From that time I've been a full-fledged unapologetic "UFC bro" (visor and Ballers on DVR sold separately). I'm head over heels for the sport and thus my perspective is a little MMA biased, but as someone who has watched every Conor fight here is why Mayweather domination is not a foregone conclusion:

- Conor's left is an absolute sledgehammer, he has serious one-punch power for a 155 pounder. In his loss to Diaz, Nate mitigated that power by inside kicks to Conor's front leg. Eventually Conor couldn't push off and Nate got him to the ground. Obviously Floyd won't have that option. It will be interesting to see how aggressive Conor will be when he does not have to defend against or worry about kicks.

- Although the UFC rules aren't in play, Conor will still be able to employ some of his Martial Arts discipline. If Floyd is deeking and dunking in an arm's reach (which Floyd is known to do) or wrapping up the muy Thai, MMA style prepares fighters to strike in tight spaces. Conor is also very adept at shrinking the octagon, if this translates to getting Floyd cornered, I don't know how many combos Floyd will be able to with stand.

- Lastly, Conor's jaw is made of steel. If Floyd goes on the offensive, Conor will be able to withstand every strike and will need only small window to sling a widow-making haymaker.

So that's my take, from a decided green, orange and white tinted-glasses perspective. All I'm saying is don't be so quick to write of the notorious Conor, and enjoy the spectacle.

Brian Phillips (CD1025 Morning Show) - Both of these guys seem like assholes. 

Ryan Haye (Boxing Aficionado/ bass player in Ghost Shirt) - Just as Patrick is a die-hard MMA fan, I feel it's important to note that I have been watching boxing since before I could spell boxing or spell box, for that matter. Having said that, I would love nothing more than to watch the guy who's never fought a single round in a professional boxing match beat the guy who, despite being an asshole of heroic proportions, is considered one of best boxers of all-time.

The reality is that Conor doesn't stand a chance in hell. None. Zilch. Zero. I would be willing to bet that the Irishman doesn't even land a punch, and I will take all bets that the poor Mick doesn't win a round. I could break down the fight by pointing out that nobody has ever really hurt Mayweather, and that includes De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, and Manny Pacquiao. For those that don't know, I just named some of the best boxers of all time, and none of these could hurt, let alone find, Mayweather in the ring. But, I won't break down the fight, because it doesn't matter, it's a done deal. Prediction:  Mayweather in...whatever round he decides to end the fight.

Can we talk about GGG vs. Alvarez?

Ricki C. (Medicare patient / NFL fan) - As a child in the late-1950's/early 1960's I would watch the Friday Night Fights on our piece-of-furniture Zenith TV with my sainted Italian father and my big brother.  That's right, boys & girls of the "Pay Per View" 21st Century, back in the Dark Ages boxing was shown on network TV.  (And there only THREE networks and THREE channels back then. The only "pay-per-view" aspect was that your dad might have to buy some Barbasol shaving cream the next day at Big Bear.)  Jeeez, two men beating each other bloody on a Friday night was considered healthy prime-time entertainment.  (Actually, on the West Side - where I grew up - we could just glance out our front window and get that same "entertainment.")  Anyway, in honor of my dad and my brother Al, I'm goin' Mayweather all the way.

James Baumann (Buckeye Hoops Expert and Overall Renaissance Man) - I don't know squat about this fight (or any other one, for that matter) other than it seems like they are both horrible human beings and the best possible outcome would be that they both knock each other into something resembling a coma, but more painful than that.

Colin Gawel (Bowler, Cheap Trick Fan) - For the first time, I'll be rooting for Mayweather. Like Ryan, I'm a fan of the sweet science. To me, UFC fights have all the poetry of watching skate crash compilations on youtube.  AS IN, not much. And I agree that GGG vs Alverez (and even Rungvisia vs Chocolatito) will be much more competitive fights than this one.

However, there is no denying the pure spectacle this match-up  provides. Floyd was shrewd to make his heel turn from "Pretty Boy Floyd" to "Money Mayweather". And the fact that he is truly a dick makes the "Money" character that much more irritating.  (Click here for excellent story about that on 538)  But Conor is not one to be "out-dicked" so when he told Floyd to "dance for me boy," it rubbed me the wrong way. I know Conor was just saying it for shock value and the whole purpose of the publicity tour was to get suckers like me worked up into buying the fight, but I fell for it anyway. There are too many real dudes floating around thinking the same thing for me to take that as just harmless trash talk. I'm pulling for Floyd to get some payback.

And yes, I'm aware that I've basically turned into a grumpy old man who prefers boxing to that new-fangled UFC the kids love and I'm offended by McGregor's trash talk. What a drag it is getting old. Having said that, I like Money to get Conor off my lawn by the 7th round.  

David Martin -  Mayweather's boxing skills are off the charts. I think he will win. I also think it's possible he takes a dive or holds back in order to generate interest in a lucrative rematch.

Patrick Buzzard -  March 31st, 1985.  For me, that was the first time worlds collided.  It was the first Wrestlemania.  The Main Event was Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorf.  Worlds Collided.  A professional actor wrestled with three of the biggest professional wrestlers of the day at the biggest event conceivable!  What could possibly be next?   After that, as teenagers we would guzzle Jolt Cola and argue if the United States would send Bo Jackson, and ONLY Bo Jackson, to the Olympics??  

It really hasn't really happened since.  Not to that level, at least. It takes more than being outrageous.  It's takes the perfect storm.  It takes the perfect players. Enter Conor McGregor.

An outlandish, boastful carnival barker packaged in a lethal MMA fighter.  Throwing stones at the "establishment" and campaigning for the fight of the century against the old guard, Floyd Mayweather,  the champion of a by-gone era.  It's great entertainment.  It's something that won't happen again at this level.  So enjoy the circus.  I know I will!

I'll be watching live.  My prediction is Mayweather is no fool.  He will not get into a toe-to-toe punch out scenario.  He is smart and knows how to win and is going to jab McGregor to death.  It goes the distance and neither get embarrassed, but the win to Floyd. 

Joe Oestreich (Author, Bass Player, Hurricane Survivor)- I'm not watching, but I have a prediction: The MMA dude beats the boxer in a shocking upset, which means that a rematch is set and they both get the huge payday a second time.

Scott Pleasant (CEO Pleztone Studios, Author, AC/DC Fan ) I'd say Joe's about right with that. What are the rules? If they have to go by straight boxing rules, I say advantage boxer. If the boxing rules are modified to allow some MMA, I say advantage MMA guy. It all sort of reminds me of when Rocky fought Thunder Lips with Mr. T. in the audience. (Watch it here)

Wal Ozello (Author, Singer)  The fact of the matter is I haven’t watched a fight since Tyson v Holyfield.  That’s when boxing was AWESOME.  I mean Tyson is a beast.  If you can’t knock someone out in the first round then what are you doing boxing?  Nobody fights like Tyson.  On Saturday night, I’ll be combing through youtube watching reruns of Tyson fights. Check out when he knocks out Michael Spinks. (Watch all 1:26 minutes here)

Big $ Talks to Brian Phillips About the Kyrie Trade on CD1025. Listen Here.

The Pencilstorm offices descended in chaos early Tuesday evening as news of the big Cavs / Celtic trade hit the interwebs. The North Coast Posse's Big $ was none too pleased and CD1025 Morning show host Brian Phillips invited him to the studio the following day to vent his frustrations on air. 

Click here to listen to their conversation. 

Jerry Lewis Was Bigger Than Elvis by Wal Ozello

Jerry Lewis, comedian and filmmaker, died on Sunday morning, August 20 at age 91. Pencilstorm writer Wal Ozello shares his memories of Jerry.

I met Jerry Lewis in 1995.  At the time, I was a video editor for A&E Biography and my company was doing a show on Dean Martin.  The company was a small one and everyone did double duty.  So when I wasn’t in the edit room, I went on the interviews as a camera assit.  My director, Brice Shipley, had scored what was soon to be one of the biggest interviews of all our lives: 20 minutes with Jerry Lewis.  Over the years, we interviewed dozens of big names.  Bill Cosby, Steve Allen, Tony Bennett to name a few.  But all of them paled in comparison to Jerry.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were a big part of my youth.  Growing up in Cleveland, the only thing on TV on Saturday afternoons was Super Host showing films from the 50s and 60s which included The Caddy, At War with the Army, My Friend Irma Goes West, and Pardners - all Martin and Lewis films.  Jerry’s solo films is where he really shined: The Bellboy, Cinderfella, The Geisha Boy, The Family Jewels and the infamous, The Nutty Professor. These movies were comedic gold. If you've never seen the original The Nutty Professor, you're missing out.

Before there was Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey, there was Jerry Lewis.  All are bland cardboard characters compared to the comedic genius of Jerry.  Either with Dean or without him, Jerry knew how to entertain like none other.

And how big was Martin and Lewis?  They were bigger than Springsteen, Simon and Garfunkel, Abbott and Costello, and even Lennon and McCartney.  Jerry’s credited in more than 50 films on imdb, many of which he wrote, produced and directed. He and Dean hosted several episodes of the Colgate Comedy Hour which was on NBC opposite The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS.  Martin & Lewis beat Ed Sullivan in the ratings forty times in a row… by double digits. Let me put that in perspective.  The Ed Sullivan Show was as big as Game of Thrones is on Sunday night.  When Martin & Lewis were on the Colgate Comedy Hour, people watched them instead.

They’d also do live shows, selling out week-long shows at the 4,000 seat Paramount Theatre and packing the streets with 75,000 people trying to get a glimpse of them from their hotel window. (See footage below.)

Jerry was also a Broadway performer.  He appeared in the revival of Damn Yankees which was how we ended up interviewing him. I was one of four people allowed in the room and we were told to keep it to 20 minutes.  Jerry ended up giving us 45.  After the interview was over, Jerry chatted up my director and me.  I think he was impressed that two guys in their early twenties new so much about his career and were in awe.  Jerry was 69 at the time and still giving it his all performing. During our conversation, Jerry casually called me a “fucking dago.” While to most Italians this is an insult, Jerry meant it as a compliment, as if I was suddenly “in” with him.  That moment is probably one of the top ten highlights of my career.

Jerry Lewis was the biggest entertainer that ever lived.  Imagine an amalgamation of Robin Williams, John Landis, Judd Apatow, Nathan Lane, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley.  He was bigger than all of them combined. I consider myself fortunate to have met him and even more fortunate to be entertained by him.  Rest in peace, funny guy and thanks for the laughs.

Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis at the New York Paramount 4 July 1951. Absolute bedlam on 44th Street! Come on up for coffee!

Jerry Lewis sings "We've Got a World That Swings" from the film, The Nutty Professor, (1963) directed by Jerry Lewis, featuring Les Brown and His Band of Renown. The song was composed by Lil Mattis and Louis Y Brown.

Clip from Martin & Lewis Colgate Comedy Hour.

The Password scene from the movie "Which Way To The Front" with Jerry Lewis

Wal Ozello is the lead singer of the Columbus hairband Armada. He's the author of the science fiction time travel books: Assignment 1989, Revolution 1990 and Sacrifice 2086 and a frequent customer at Colin's Coffee. As a local filmmaker, Wal has directed Dad Can't Help You Now by Colin Gawel and the short film, Alone.

Lonely Bones Final Show @ FMMF - by Colin Gawel

Standing behind the counter at Colin's Coffee at 10:50 am on Friday August 18th, it just struck me that the Lonely Bones show tomorrow at Fashion Meets Music Festival is probably going to be our last. I guess we could do something else but I can't imagine why. There is no drama behind the decision. The Bones were created when Watershed went on indefinite hiatus so Joe Oestreich could begin his successful writing career. It's been a good run.

Having played within the Watershed structure since before puberty, I needed to challenge myself and see if I could sink or swim as a solo act. I feel like the Lonely Bones accomplished more than I ever could have hoped for. With the release of Superior - The Best of Colin Gawel in 2016, a compilation of all notable music from this Lonely Bones era, it feels like that chapter is closed and it's time to turn the page.

Thanks to Rick, Dan and Herb for joining me on this journey. And following along into Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? And Ricki C. of course. 

Besides the recorded work we left behind (HUGE thanks to talented Mike Landolt) the band was fortunate enough to play many cool gigs. Some memories off the top of my head, in between serving customers coffee...... 

- Our first gig as The Lonely Bones was playing the Bruce Springsteen weekend at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in June, 2009. They were looking for a semi-credible band to perform and not some cheesy "Bruce in the USA" cover/tribute act. Watershed's name came up and when I got the call I thought is was a prank. Eventually we settled on the Lonely Bones playing instead of Watershed. There is a bootleg of this show kicking around. Ask Ricki C. where to find one if you are interested. Dave Masica was still drumming in the Bones at this point. 

- Early on I vowed to never play a late rock and roll show again. And we didn't. The Lonely Bones NEVER played a local show that started later than 9pm and usually much earlier. Big thanks to Todd at the Rumba Cafe and Paul at Woodland's for buying into this vision for the band. We had many great shows at both clubs.

- We got to perform numerous times at Comfest and the Independent's Day festival, both of which we were honored to a part of. And the first Goodale Park music series now that I think of it.

-Though we didn't travel much, David Bash invited the band to perform at his International Pop Overthrow Festival twice in Chicago and once in Cleveland. Once again, we were flattered to be a part of such a cool event. 

- When the song "Superior" was in heavy rotation on CD1025, then PD Andyman Davis invited us to play a sold out CD101 Day show at the LC in Columbus. It was a thrill to be on that big stage with the new band. Sadly, Andy passed  away soon after, but I'll always cherish the time we spent together that night. 

- Brian Phillips and Wal Ozello deserve major kudos for being the brains behind the videos "Superior" and "Dad Can't Help You Now" (in that order).  Those videos will survive long after we are all gone.

Also big thanks to Will Kenworthy who served as manager, webmaster and social media director for the Lonely Bones.  Without his help I'd still probably be on Myspace. He also co-founded pencilstorm.com along with myself. 

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented people. 

Also of note was having a front row seat watching Bones bassist Dan Cochran conceive and create the Four String Brewing Company right in front of my eyes. Rick Kinsinger actually helped him design and build his first brewer thingy or whatever those things are called. To walk into a store and see a six-pack of Hilltop Lager staring me in the face makes glad all over. 

What's next? We have been working hard to get the League Bowlers Some Balls Deluxe released this September and Watershed should have something new out in 2018. In the meantime I suspect at my advancing age it's time to downsize. Being in five bands is about three too many. Not sure exactly where this is headed but rough thoughts include:

- Rick K. is done dragging keyboards out to shows

- It will involve Bowling shirts

- We will still keep playing Superior

In closing, there is a bunch of footage floating around youtube but the clip below is my favorite. It's just The Lonely Bones playing on the radio, but boy, we really nailed it. This is how I will remember this band. Nothing fancy, just friends playing some rock n roll. Thanks to all who came out to the gigs and dug the music. - Colin Gawel 

Live from the CD102.5 Big Room, Colin Gawel with "Superior" on April 10, 2010. -~-~~-~~~-~~-~- Please watch: "Brian Fallon "Nobody Wins" LIVE in the CD102.5 Big Room" → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvDjAwDt92A -~-~~-~~~-~~-~-

Saturday Night Video: Elvis, Ann-Margret, and Elvis - by Colin G.

A blast from the past to mark the 40th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley. This originally ran Feb 2014 - Colin G.

I recently returned from an extended rock n roll sabbatical in Memphis, TN. Obviously, Elvis has been in the forefront of my mind ever since. If you haven't read "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley" by Peter Guralnick, you need to do that immediately. It's way more than sex, drugs and rock n roll. The Elvis Presley story is the original American Shakespearian tragedy that will break your heart and leave you crying over his grave at Graceland. Please enjoy these clips sponsored by my insomnia and the remaining cans of beer in my fridge. - Colin G.

Below: Elvis giving his all right to the end. Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Thrilling.

Uploaded by Michael Hembree on 2014-08-29.

Below: Elvis singing "If I Can Dream" from the 68 comeback special. The Graceland tour ends with this song as you stand over the graves of Elvis, his Mom, Dad, Grandmother and twin brother. But the song alone should make you weep out of respect by it's sheer beauty and power. It's like listening to the Grand Canyon.

Elvis' classic live performance